Love is probably the most overused and rashly abused word of all. When you say you love someone, do you really and fully understand what you are saying? If love is unpacked, we will be very surprised to discover the true essence of what we confess.
What is love? First, let’s see what love is not – it is not boastful, puffed up, it does not envy, does not parade itself, does not behave rudely, does not seek self gratification, is not provoked easily, does not think evil and does not rejoice in wrongdoing. Next, we see what love is – it is kind, endures things, hopes, believes, bears all things and rejoices in truth. Love never fails. (See 1 Corinthians 13)
Love is used in almost every book of the Bible in around 500 instances. Why is that so? It is no doubt the strongest thread that binds us together. We define love as an abstract noun but it is very much a ‘doing’ word. How can you say that you love someone if you cannot demonstrate that love?
Who is our greatest prototype of love? It is God Himself. John 3:16 (BSB) says, “For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that everyone who believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life.”
How do you demonstrate love? There is a definitive path to follow. John 3:17-18 (BSB) continues, “For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through Him. Whoever believes in Him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe is already condemned, because he has not believed in the name of God’s one and only Son.” So, what does this imply if we want to walk towards the path of true love?
How do you know which path is right? John 3:19-21(BSB) shows us: “And this is the verdict: The Light has come into the world, but men loved darkness more than light, because their deeds were evil. Everyone who does evil hates the Light, and does not come into the Light for fear that his deeds will be exposed. But whoever practices the truth comes into the Light, so that it may be clearly seen that what he has done has been accomplished in God.”
So you think you know what love is? Here comes the acid test: Luke 6:27-28 (NKJV) tells us, “Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you and pray for those who spitefully use you.” Is that not a bitter pill to swallow? Is that what you expected love to be? Try it for yourself. Love is a ‘doing’ word.
If you want the greatest gift of all, are you prepared to embrace it and walk with it? This love is not impossible and definitely not an abstract concept. 1 Timothy 1:14 (BSB) says, “And the grace of our Lord overflowed to me, along with the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus.” Christmas is the celebration of that greatest gift of all where God sent His Son. Listen to this song.◊
Linda Pearl
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